AKP Phnom Penh, July 04, 2025 --

Cambodia’s national flag carrier, Air Cambodia, is preparing to launch flight services from Phnom Penh to Tokyo, Japan, with a stopover in Shenzhen, China, according to the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA).

The development follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the SSCA and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The agreement was signed last week in Phnom Penh by H.E. Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of the SSCA, and a senior representative of the Japanese ministry.

H.E. Sinn Chanserey Vutha, SSCA Secretary of State and spokesperson, described the MoU as a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Cambodia and Japan.

“Under the MoU, Air Cambodia will begin operating flights from Cambodia to Tokyo, with a stop in China,” he said, adding that several procedures still need to be completed before the service officially launches.

Previously, direct flights between Cambodia and Japan were operated by Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA), but the service was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This new development coincides with Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to modernise and expand its aviation sector. The nearly completed Techo International Airport is expected to serve as a major regional hub, further supporting the country’s long-term aviation strategy.

The expansion of aviation infrastructure and strengthening of international partnerships are seen as key to Cambodia’s aviation growth and economic development.

According to SSCA, Cambodia welcomed 3.04 million air passengers in the first five months of 2025—an 18 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. During the January–May period, international and domestic airlines operated 27,670 flights to the Kingdom’s three international airports, marking a 14 percent increase year-on-year.

With new airport infrastructure and a growing tourism sector, Cambodia is projected to receive 7.5 million air passengers in 2025, representing a 20 percent increase over 2024.

Data from the Ministry of Tourism show that Cambodia received 112,718 Japanese tourists in 2024, up 30 percent from 84,411 in 2023.

By Chea Vannak